Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

[steve66]

Article 427.22: Ground-fault protection of equipment shall be provided for electric heat tracing and heating panels. (The exceptions for only qualified persons or continued operation do not apply).

Does this mean I need ground-fault protection for a "self-regulating pipe heating cable"? If so, does a regular circuit breaker provide this, or do I need to specify a GFCI type breaker?

Thanks:
Steve

 

[tom baker]

Re: Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

Yes you will need GFCI or GFPE protection, depending on the type. Read the instructions. The type sold for home use has a in line type GFCI. I install a lot of self regulated heat cable, and feed it from a blank face GFCI.

[ October 17, 2003, 11:39 AM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

Steve,

I have used a GFP breaker, correct terminology this time, on heat trace. This breaker is for equipment protection and has the higher current trip range, 30mA. I'm sure there are several manufacturers, however I used one from Cutler-Hammer.

There was a previous thread on this and if I was computer savy I could provide the link. However, not being there it is in the NEC forum and titled "Article 427 & Heat Trace" on 10/08.

Tony

 

[Guest]

Re: Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

Is a GFP breaker the same as a Class-B GFCI breaker?

 

[steve66]

Re: Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

Thanks for the replies. Tony: I did a search for "heat trace" and found about 5 threads. I guess I should have searched before posting the question.

Oh well, at least I didn't ask if the ground prong on a receptacle has to be on the top or the bottom

Steve

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Pipe heating cable ground fault protection

awwt,
Square D says their QO-EPD breakers (30mA trip) provide Class B ground fault protection.